The Book of Confessions - The Presbyterian Leader

nature, perform obedience to the law, (986) suffer and make intercession for us in our
nature, (987) have a fellow feeling of our infirmities; (988) that we might receive the adoption of
sons, (989) and have comfort and access with boldness unto the throne of grace. (990)
Q. 40. Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be God and man in one
person?
A. It was requisite that the Mediator who was to reconcile God and man, should
himself be both God and man, and this in one person; that the proper works of each nature might
be accepted of God for us, and relied on by us, as the works of the whole person. (991)
Q. 41. Why was our Mediator called Jesus?
A. Our Mediator was called Jesus, because he saveth his people from their sins. (992)
Q. 42. Why was our Mediator called Christ?
A. Or Mediator was called Christ, because he was anointed with the Holy Ghost
above measure; (993) and so set apart, and fully furnished with all authority and ability, (994) to
execute the office of prophet, (995) priest, (996) and king of his Church, in the estate both of his
humiliation and exaltation. (997)
Q. 43. How doth Christ execute the office of a prophet?
A. Christ executeth the office of a prophet, in his revealing to the Church in all
ages,1(998) by his Spirit and Word, (999) in divers ways of administration, the whole will of
God, in all things concerning their edification and salvation. (1000)
Q. 44. How doth Christ execute the office of a priest?
A. Christ executeth the office of a priest, in his once offering himself a sacrifice
without spot to God, (1001) to be a reconciliation for the sins of his people; (1002) and in
making continual intercession for them. (1003)
Q. 45. How doth Christ execute the office of a king?
A. Christ executeth the office of a king, in calling out of the world a people to
himself; (1004) and giving them officers, (1005) laws, (1006) and censures, by which he visibly
governs them; (1007) in bestowing saving grace upon his elect, (1008) rewarding their
obedience, (1009) and correcting them for their sins, (1010) preserving and supporting them
under all their temptations and sufferings; (1011) restraining and overcoming all their
enemies, (1012) and powerfully ordering all things for his own glory, (1013) and their
good; (1014) and also in taking vengeance on the rest, who know not God, and obey not the
gospel. (1015)
Copyright © 1996 by the Office of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (USA)